Moet&ChandonGrandVintageCollectionExtra-BrutLateDisgorged2003

Moët & Chandon are the most famous producers in Champagne. First founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, it was the marketing acumen of Rémy Moët which initiated the brand’s international fame and mass volume production. Since then, Moët & Chandon have grown by acquiring other champagne estates, selling them forward and keeping their prestigious vineyards. Such large-scale production could only operate under the leadership of a truly superb Chef de Caves and in Benoît Gouez, Moët have one of the best. With a ten-man oenologist team led by chief Dom Pérignon winemaker Vincent Chaperon, Benoît has access to the most academic minds and palates in the region, no doubt a huge driving factor behind his success. Now proprietors to the largest amount of land: some 1,190-hecatres of rich limestone soil, and the largest extent of cellars: over twenty eight kilometres.rrEvery Grand Vintage is unique and original, the Cellar Master’s interpretation of the singular year that is produced. The Möet & Chandon Grand Vintage spirit is founded on three essential values: Freedom of interpretation, selection of the year’s most remarkable wines and individuality of the vintage. Grand Vintage 2003 is the maison’s 69th vintage. This champagne is a very limited release, typically Moet Grand Vintage is released after 6-8 years on the lees, this late release version with 13 years lees ageing has broadened out the texture and really added to its complexity.rrWeather: The 2003 vintage was one of pre-eminence: a year like no other, defined by extremes. The vineyard was first touched by severe spring frosts that left a lasting mark on the Champagne region before being struck with an unparalleled heatwave. As a result, the crop was perfectly ripe and healthy but left a particularly small harvest: this was the most precocious since 1822.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Predominantly Grand & Premier CrusrGrape Varieties: 43% Meunier, 29 Pinot Noir & 28% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 13 yearsrDisgorgement: May 2017rDosage: 5 g/lrCork: Mytik Diam TechnologicalrDrink: Now to 2032rrTasting Note: On the nose, the dusky, creamy, velvety maturity is obvious and omnipresent. The initial notes are of crème brulée, praline and nougatine. On aeration, the reductive roaster layer (coffee beans, toasted hazelnuts) gives way to warm, colourful evocations of dried fruit such as apricot, date and fig. This fruity generosity mingles with hints of tea and spices. The palate is full-bodied, voluptuous and enveloping, without any heaviness. The wines substance is smooth and velvety. The fruit is concentrated, reminiscent of a roasted, flambéed pineapple. After 13 years maturing in our cellars, the initial bitterness has softened the finish has become smooth but remains surprisingly fresh with notes of sap, fig and dark chocolate.